Lights On Afterschool
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
Now more than ever, afterschool programs are rising to the moment to keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic—and Lights On Afterschool shines a national spotlight on their impact! Join us for a Lights On celebration like none other!
Now more than ever, afterschool programs are rising to the moment to keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic—and Lights On Afterschool shines a national spotlight on their impact! Join us for a Lights On celebration like none other!
Celebrate with students, remote or in-person
Whether you are operating remotely, or working with small groups of students in person, you can celebrate Lights On!
Youth Voices & Leadership
Afterschool programs are centered around youth, so it makes sense that your Lights On can be, too. The youth in your program know firsthand why afterschool is important and can be your best, most authentic messengers. Amplify youth voices through in-person or virtual activities, or consider involving youth in organizing a virtual Lights On and an opportunity for leadership, activism, teamwork, and so much more.
Light Up Your Community
If you can’t bring your community into your program, bring Lights On into your community! How? Light up a landmark in honor of Lights On, organize a walking art show or car or bike parade, post Lights On yard signs throughout the community, distribute lightbulb art for programs, families, and businesses to post in their windows… read on for more ideas and how to make this happen!
Social, Emotional, & Physical Health
The wellbeing of our young people is top of mind today. Use Lights On Afterschool as a moment to connect, reflect, and support the well-being of youth in your program, or to highlight and showcase the ways programs help instill healthy habits that support physical and mental well-being.
Afterschool Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. It’s a way of thinking and doing, a mindset and a set of skills that youth need for success in school right now, in their future careers, and in life.
STEM Learning
Afterschool programs are a natural space to provide engaging, hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning. Broadcast the exciting activities you offer students, or introduce kids and parents to STEM through a remote or small group in-person activity.
Adapt & Recycle Past Plans!
Use previous events as inspiration, and adapt them for today’s environment. A rally or student expo can go virtual, color runs can be done in small groups and shared online; a tour for parents or policymakers can be recorded or done live using tools like Facebook live events.
Youth Voices & Leadership
Afterschool programs are centered around youth, so it makes sense that your Lights On can be, too. The youth in your program know firsthand why afterschool is important and can be your best, most authentic messengers. Amplify youth voices through in-person or virtual activities, or consider involving youth in organizing a virtual Lights On and an opportunity for leadership, activism, teamwork, and so much more.
Light Up Your Community
If you can’t bring your community into your program, bring Lights On into your community! How? Light up a landmark in honor of Lights On, organize a walking art show or car or bike parade, post Lights On yard signs throughout the community, distribute lightbulb art for programs, families, and businesses to post in their windows… read on for more ideas and how to make this happen!
Social, Emotional, & Physical Health
The wellbeing of our young people is top of mind today. Use Lights On Afterschool as a moment to connect, reflect, and support the well-being of youth in your program, or to highlight and showcase the ways programs help instill healthy habits that support physical and mental well-being.
Afterschool Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. It’s a way of thinking and doing, a mindset and a set of skills that youth need for success in school right now, in their future careers, and in life.
STEM Learning
Afterschool programs are a natural space to provide engaging, hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning. Broadcast the exciting activities you offer students, or introduce kids and parents to STEM through a remote or small group in-person activity.
Adapt & Recycle Past Plans!
Use previous events as inspiration, and adapt them for today’s environment. A rally or student expo can go virtual, color runs can be done in small groups and shared online; a tour for parents or policymakers can be recorded or done live using tools like Facebook live events.
Showcase Your Program
Light Up Your Community
If you can't bring your community into your program, bring Lights On into your community! How? Light up a landmark in honor of Lights On, organize a walking art show or car or bike parade, post Lights On yard signs throughout the community, distribute lightbulb art for programs, families, and businesses to post in their windows - the possibilities are endless!
Lights On Afterschool is one of our best opportunities to show parents, policymakers, and community leaders what we do. Check out these simple ways to showcase your program on social media: whether it's posting a collage or video from past work, or sharing the special Lights On activity you do with students, or hosting a live virtual event via Zoom or Facebook.
If you can't bring your community into your program, bring Lights On into your community! How? Light up a landmark in honor of Lights On, organize a walking art show or car or bike parade, post Lights On yard signs throughout the community, distribute lightbulb art for programs, families, and businesses to post in their windows - the possibilities are endless!
Lights On Afterschool is one of our best opportunities to show parents, policymakers, and community leaders what we do. Check out these simple ways to showcase your program on social media: whether it's posting a collage or video from past work, or sharing the special Lights On activity you do with students, or hosting a live virtual event via Zoom or Facebook.
be a part of lights on afterschool without hosting an event
You can be part of one million Americans celebrating afterschool programs this fall!
Social Media Kit
Join us on social media under the hashtag #LightsOnAfterschool! We've got sample social media ready to plug and play.
Lightbulb Challenge
Every year, we challenge friends of afterschool across the country to take a photo of themselves mimicking our Lights On Afterschool logo and posting it on social media with the hashtags #LightbulbChallenge and #LightsOnAfterschool.
Social Media Kit
Join us on social media under the hashtag #LightsOnAfterschool! We've got sample social media ready to plug and play.
Lightbulb Challenge
Every year, we challenge friends of afterschool across the country to take a photo of themselves mimicking our Lights On Afterschool logo and posting it on social media with the hashtags #LightbulbChallenge and #LightsOnAfterschool.